The Regulation of Digital Platforms

Abstract:

Many economic forces have led to the creation of the dominant digital platforms, including Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and Apple (GAMMA). These have created challenges for regulating big tech, considering the economic, political, and social factors involved. In the economic sphere, the reinforcing effects of networks and big data give GAMMA an advantage over new entrants and smaller players. They generate insights about consumers and innovate more easily by collecting and analyzing vast amounts of information. They have a great advantage due to their size and have been sued for abuse of their power. In terms of politics, speech online has polarized US society, but it is difficult to regulate despite the harassment, bullying, and vigilantism that occur and the children that are harmed. Numerous factors hinder regulation, so alternative methods will be necessary to minimize their negative impacts on society. These can include education and professional associations to establish standards. Non-government stakeholders will need to develop information, tools, and guidelines that can limit the harm done by these dominant platforms.

Info: To further the goal of having a social discussion, the Department will buy the first round of appetizers at Inner Rail at 4:30PM

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